The current climate in our society is one that presents us with a multitude of stresses. The need to juggle so many priorities means that we can often forget to think about our own wellbeing. Research conducted by Lifeline* found that 93% of Australians experience stress in their life due to the pressures relating to work, their family, their future, health and financial pressure.

48% of the population also indicated that at least one of these factors caused them “a lot” of stress. *(Source Newspoll National Stress Poll July 2011)

The impact stress has on mental and physical health

What Stress Does to your body

Simple tips for coping with stress

Where to go for more help

Additional Stress Resources

Commercial Training

General health and wellbeing resources

The impact stress has on mental and physical health

Stress is the body’s way of dealing with pressure. Stress can be a positive thing, helping us strive for results during competitive or demanding situations. However prolonged, chronic stress can be detrimental to our physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Stress may impact you in one or more of the following ways in varying degrees;

Erratic or uncharacteristic mood swings or personality changes

Unusual sleeping patterns – feeling tired all the time or not getting enough sleep

Nervous habits or compulsive behaviours

Changes in appetite and diet – loss off appetite or eating more frequently or more unhealthily

Dependence on alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism

Loss of interest in activities such as hobbies, work or socialising

Experiencing panic or anxiety and a sense of not coping

Physical affects such as increased blood pressure, headaches, or exhaustion

Affects on mental health – feeling down or depressed most of the time

If you experience prolonged stress with one or more of the above symptoms it may be time to seek help.

Simple tips for coping with stress

Talk to someone you trust and share your feelings

Take time to look after yourself physically with exercise, a balanced diet and health checks

Allocate time for thing you enjoy and that make you happy

Don’t place unnecessary pressure or expectations on yourself

Make time for friends and family amid other priorities

Limit alcohol intake and use of other substances

If you feel your stress levels peaking take a few minutes of time out

Practice relaxation techniques

Plan ahead to manage situations that you know are going to be stressful

“Opt in” to positive activities, rather than “opting out” or avoiding life’s challenges.